"I take care of medical technology and digitisation within a hospital"
I studied Biomedical Engineering to become a link between technology and care. During the programme, I learned about the human body and medical technology, which enables me to become a good bridge-builder between the healthcare department, the technology department, and computerisation.
Devices help people with disabilities
The master's specialisation Biorobotics offered me mechanical engineering subjects, mechanics and product development. I became a creative problem solver for patients and doctors by researching how devices could help the functionality of physical ailments, such as controlling muscles for arm movements via electrodes or using a hearing aid.
As a Clinical Informatician at Deventer Hospital, I deal with everything related to digitisation and data, for example, patient monitoring and sending alerts to the mobile device of the caregiver. Also, I support our radiologists in to use of artificial intelligence as a support decision tool for radiologists by having algorithms detect tumours on lung scans. Digitisation in healthcare comes in many flavours.
Many hospitals are moving to digital systems while some healthcare professionals still might feel the need to send letters to patients, physicians, or hospital departments. For this, you need streamlined data communication. Having the technology is one thing, embedding it in the daily work process of the users is another thing. That's why I provide training and ensure that the advantages of computerisation are understood and embraced.
Within my EngD programme, I learn to organise a change process and how to get people on board, from doctors to nursing staff. By listening to what they find not efficient in their work processes or what medical technologies they need, I am able to look for solutions. It is a challenge to implement new technology and change working methods that improve everyone's work.
First job at UT spin-off Demcon
During my first job as a Mechatronic System Engineer, I learned to apply my Biomedical Technology knowledge. I worked in product development in healthcare and designed the rehabilitation exoskeleton walking robot Lopes. This was possible because I brought a well-stocked toolbox with me. Not only do I have the technical know-how, but I have also learned to process large amounts of information which enables me to act quickly.
Student Life
I loved being a student. I lived in a flat with 15 roommates and I rowed with the rowing club EUROS. I was a member of the study association Paradoks where I not only attended social activities but also study-related lectures. I organised a symposium called 'Ready for Surgery' with some peers, where we provided a glimpse of the operating room of the future. I was surprised how eager the speakers from the field were to tell us about their work!